Isokinetic hand railing

ABSTRACT

The isokinetic analysis of the forces upon the human muscles of the forearm, wrist and hand from the forces encountered by the tasks of support and stabilization are reduced by the inclusion of sections along the rail in the direction(s) of said task forces, in sufficient length and shape to engage repeated gripping. The human user can impart less force to prevent slipping and loss of control with less strain of muscles required for gripping. Non-obvious embodiments include portable devices such as ladders, boats and bus hand rails.

This invention defines a nodal configuration for hand railings of allkinds, stairway, parch/deck, handicap, boat, fire ladders, generalpurpose ladders, and similar members fixed or portable for the purposeof stabilization of the human form from gripping with one or two hands.The hand and forearm muscular strain and human body physical effortrequired to stabilize balance, assist movement, reduce weight forces,and grip are relieved by eliminating the muscle strain required toovercome friction from slipping along the rail.

BACKGROUND

The Old Method

Hand railings embodied for their utility contain a top rail withcontinuous configuration for the gripping with one or two hand(s) alonga distance. Typically, the rail is gripped, often at specific attitude,with physical muscles strained around surfaces of approximately constantdiameter or cross section at random locations along the rail. Theobjective of these rails is to allow the hand and forearm muscles toabsorb the strain needed to support and balance the human frame. Musclesof the forearm (Brachia Radials, Pronator Teres, Pulmaris Longus,Flexor/Extensor Carpi Radialis, Flexor Digitorum Superficalis), thewrist (Flexor Retinaculum) and the hand (Flexor Digiti Minimi,Abductor/adductor Pollicis Brevis, Digitorum tendons, lateral bands,inertendinous bands) are repeatedly strained and relaxed to apply fibertorsion force in a direction to grip radially on the handle to preventslipping forces axially, transmitted and subsequently exerted during therepeated gripping task of stabilization and support. Some strainreducing claims distribute the strain to other muscles or body structuremembers to replace gripping strength. NOTE: The user's motions andphysical strength to accomplish the transmission of human force to thesupport/stabilization task are dependent upon the direction of theforces exerted; gripping forces are required to provide friction at thehuman/rail interface. Only the components of force in the direction ofthe task are effectively transmitted; gripping forces required toovercome friction at the hand/rail interface are excess for thetransmission to accomplish the task. Repeated exertion and release ofthese gripping muscles cause fatigue.

The New Method

-   1. Systems with rail embodiments, containing a plurality of nodes    arranged fixedly integral along the rail are shaped to relieve the    strain upon the muscle torque such that slipping is prevented by    muscle closure axially, in direct line with the force delivered by    the tool and are perpendicular to the torsion of the muscle fiber,    thereby obtaining more precise control of the attitude of the    physical form. No other body muscle or skeletal member is engaged to    replace the reduced strain.-   2. The contours of the rail lessen the grip strength needed for all    repeated motions, lengthening the time before the human capability    forces are reduced (fatigue). For a handicapped person, time reduced    by this task removes them from other hazards such as avoiding wind,    traffic, crowding, slipping or similar environmental damages.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an outline view of the grip shapes along the rail.

DETAIL OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Isokinetic Hand Railings

The embodiment (rails) are axially shaped to match muscle exertiondirection:

FIG. 1 shows a rail with a multiple of node grip surfaces 1 alignedaxially along the rail 2 at approximate open hand span intervals.

1. An hand rail containing a plurality of nodes continually locatedalong the hand directed surface at approximately open hand spans. 2.Non-obvious variation embodiments are like the preferred embodimentswith means of transporting for less frequent use such as ladders, boatsand busses.